I personally have no idea what the renovation entails. If it is lower level seating, that shouldn't be too invasive. The only way I could see luxury boxes if if you close the one end and put them there, but those aren't good site lines especially when the home team is at the other end in the second half. You can do a lot with the concourse level without disrupting game operations that much. My guess is that it will be lipstick on a pig and call it renovated. I also don't think it is one of those "Build it and they will come." things.

(10-30-2019 08:50 AM)Tribe32 Wrote:  I personally have no idea what the renovation entails. If it is lower level seating, that shouldn't be too invasive. The only way I could see luxury boxes if if you close the one end and put them there, but those aren't good site lines especially when the home team is at the other end in the second half. You can do a lot with the concourse level without disrupting game operations that much. My guess is that it will be lipstick on a pig and call it renovated. I also don't think it is one of those "Build it and they will come." things.

Just thinking randomly, I wonder if it would be feasible in the renovation to turn the court 90 degrees. I agree that it might be easier to add boxes, etc., in the open end versus trying to work around the existing concrete on the sides. Turning the court would make that "end" a "side."

It would probably ruin it as a concert venue, though.

(10-30-2019 09:11 AM)Blow Gym rat Wrote:  

(10-30-2019 08:50 AM)Tribe32 Wrote:  I personally have no idea what the renovation entails. If it is lower level seating, that shouldn't be too invasive. The only way I could see luxury boxes if if you close the one end and put them there, but those aren't good site lines especially when the home team is at the other end in the second half. You can do a lot with the concourse level without disrupting game operations that much. My guess is that it will be lipstick on a pig and call it renovated. I also don't think it is one of those "Build it and they will come." things.

Just thinking randomly, I wonder if it would be feasible in the renovation to turn the court 90 degrees. I agree that it might be easier to add boxes, etc., in the open end versus trying to work around the existing concrete on the sides. Turning the court would make that "end" a "side."

It would probably ruin it as a concert venue, though.

I thought about that too. It would mess up the indoor track. Not sure if we host anything though

(10-30-2019 09:34 AM)Tribe32 Wrote:  

(10-30-2019 09:11 AM)Blow Gym rat Wrote:  

(10-30-2019 08:50 AM)Tribe32 Wrote:  I personally have no idea what the renovation entails. If it is lower level seating, that shouldn't be too invasive. The only way I could see luxury boxes if if you close the one end and put them there, but those aren't good site lines especially when the home team is at the other end in the second half. You can do a lot with the concourse level without disrupting game operations that much. My guess is that it will be lipstick on a pig and call it renovated. I also don't think it is one of those "Build it and they will come." things.

Just thinking randomly, I wonder if it would be feasible in the renovation to turn the court 90 degrees. I agree that it might be easier to add boxes, etc., in the open end versus trying to work around the existing concrete on the sides. Turning the court would make that "end" a "side."

It would probably ruin it as a concert venue, though.

I thought about that too. It would mess up the indoor track. Not sure if we host anything though

My daughter ran track for 4 years. Kaplan never once hosted an event. In fact, I attended almost every meet home and away and I didn't even know that Kaplan has an indoor track (which means, obviously, that I never attended an indoor track practice).

Zorch, this was my recollection from the 70s and 80s. They probably haven't used Kap as a track in 30 years or more or at least when they replaced the old rubber floor.

(10-30-2019 11:44 AM)Tribe32 Wrote:  Zorch, this was my recollection from the 70s and 80s. They probably haven't used Kap as a track in 30 years or more or at least when they replaced the old rubber floor.

Interesting. Even as a student myself ('75-'79) I never used an indoor track at the Hall. I did run on the indoor 'track' on the second floor of Blow Gym!

Noticed that Northeastern has a beirgarten in their basketball arena.

Located in the open end of the arena...call it the "Dog Park."

Kaplan could easily replicate that in a renovation...ideally in some sort of newly constructed mezzanine for better viewing.

(01-04-2020 05:18 PM)nogretheogre Wrote:  Noticed that Northeastern has a beirgarten in their basketball arena.

Located in the open end of the arena...call it the "Dog Park."

Kaplan could easily replicate that in a renovation...ideally in some sort of newly constructed mezzanine for better viewing.

I should have played the lottery the other day...

With this coming announcement presumably about a renovation, anyone want to conjecture what the final product will be? Im guessing that it wont actually be much of total overhaul.

-I dont think they will fill in the upper deck permanently. Probably drape banners in the center baseline rafters to make it feel more enclosed, but maintains most of the seating for large events.

-Retractable/moveable seating at the open end, with a permanent terrace built in mezzanine for suites/beergarden and to complete the bowl

-Build terraces into each corner, each divided into 2-3 suites (like Richmond)

-Fix the lighting (focus it on the court, not the crowd)
-New videoboards and side-line digital marquee
-overhaul and refinish the concourse, concessions and bathrooms

(01-25-2020 01:00 PM)nogretheogre Wrote:  With this coming announcement presumably about a renovation, anyone want to conjecture what the final product will be? Im guessing that it wont actually be much of total overhaul.

-I dont think they will fill in the upper deck permanently. Probably drape banners in the center baseline rafters to make it feel more enclosed, but maintains most of the seating for large events.

-Retractable/moveable seating at the open end, with a permanent terrace built in mezzanine for suites/beergarden and to complete the bowl

-Build terraces into each corner, each divided into 2-3 suites (like Richmond)

-Fix the lighting (focus it on the court, not the crowd)
-New videoboards and side-line digital marquee
-overhaul and refinish the concourse, concessions and bathrooms

All of this sounds about right. One thing that isn't really possible is having seating to the floor on all four sides of the court. I've always felt that more fans near the floor, coupled with the lighting improvements you mentioned, is a big enhancement to intimacy and immediacy in a venue. All of the newer, smaller gyms in the league are set up that way, but the structural elements of Kaplan preclude that approach. Also, how about a few bucks for enhanced internet?

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My guess is that it will include some of the following

1) 5000 seats give or take all with great sight lines and much steeper than currently
2) no upper level
3) luxury boxes somewhere on current concourse level
4) concourse becomes open at least for part of the bowl with concessions, beer hall, TV sets, and seating with court views
5) 5-10 rows of courtside seating with luxury chairs, food service
6) scoreboards around the perimeter and overhead
7) advanced lighting and sound

When you think about how the arena is constructed, you could get rid of the upper level or at least a lot of it and not lose anything (other than maybe some structural integrity). Having that concourse open really gives you an option to do a lot there and have bowl seating down to the court. You don't need the entire end open either. You can get by with most of it closed in with just 50 feet moveable. You could fit a lot of people with seats on both ends.

We, evidently, have money to burn.


I am excited to announce that I have accepted a position at William & Mary as the Assistant Athletic Director for Major Gifts! I am thrilled about the tremendous opportunity to advance my career and work at such an historic and prestigious institution. #GoTribe https://t.co/r0OFln2mC9

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(01-26-2020 09:12 AM)Tribal Wrote:  We, evidently, have money to burn.


I am excited to announce that I have accepted a position at William & Mary as the Assistant Athletic Director for Major Gifts! I am thrilled about the tremendous opportunity to advance my career and work at such an historic and prestigious institution. #GoTribe https://t.co/r0OFln2mC9

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You had me worried...my first read of this post had me thinking YOU were announcing that YOU had accepted a position...

(01-26-2020 09:12 AM)Tribal Wrote:  We, evidently, have money to burn.


I am excited to announce that I have accepted a position at William & Mary as the Assistant Athletic Director for Major Gifts! I am thrilled about the tremendous opportunity to advance my career and work at such an historic and prestigious institution. #GoTribe https://t.co/r0OFln2mC9

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I have no problem with this actually. It is such an important role in the AD office, that, as long as they identify ONE additional high-dollar donor per year, the position pays for itself. Will be evaluated on their year-over-year numbers. The upside, on the other hand, is enormous.

(01-26-2020 12:55 PM)nogretheogre Wrote:  

(01-26-2020 09:12 AM)Tribal Wrote:  We, evidently, have money to burn.


I am excited to announce that I have accepted a position at William & Mary as the Assistant Athletic Director for Major Gifts! I am thrilled about the tremendous opportunity to advance my career and work at such an historic and prestigious institution. #GoTribe https://t.co/r0OFln2mC9

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I have no problem with this actually. It is such an important role in the AD office, that, as long as they identify ONE additional high-dollar donor per year, the position pays for itself. Will be evaluated on their year-over-year numbers. The upside, on the other hand, is enormous.

I thought that was Huge's responsibility.

(01-26-2020 02:42 PM)Tribe32 Wrote:  

(01-26-2020 12:55 PM)nogretheogre Wrote:  

(01-26-2020 09:12 AM)Tribal Wrote:  We, evidently, have money to burn.


I am excited to announce that I have accepted a position at William & Mary as the Assistant Athletic Director for Major Gifts! I am thrilled about the tremendous opportunity to advance my career and work at such an historic and prestigious institution. #GoTribe https://t.co/r0OFln2mC9

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

I have no problem with this actually. It is such an important role in the AD office, that, as long as they identify ONE additional high-dollar donor per year, the position pays for itself. Will be evaluated on their year-over-year numbers. The upside, on the other hand, is enormous.

I thought that was Huge's responsibility.

I agree. Plus, this hire is obviously quite young. What credibility will he have with all the old codgers who, I'm sure, make up the vast majority of our "big givers".

Yeah, Huge is supposed to excel at fundraising. I could understand the help if she is having difficulty keeping up with all the donations rolling in. I must've missed the major donations overwhelming our staff.

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Current count on Assistant AD titles....?

Honestly I really don't care about the count. I just would have assumed it would be more likely to hire someone in that role with a deep familiarization with the school.

(01-26-2020 01:24 PM)billymac Wrote:  Yesterday was another example of why the plan for the "redone" Kaplan should NEVER be below 7000 seats. All you do is limit the amount of growth you can have. We are knocking on the door of 5000 now, with just this little success.If Dane can find some players and continue to get the excitement growing, 5000 will be easily surpassed. 6500-7000 size arenas still offer a nice combo of size and atmosphere.

(01-26-2020 02:50 PM)Zorch Wrote:  Billymac is right. That same reason is why I think the CAA should not limit itself to a 4200 seat arena for the CAAT. Discounting all other sources of interest, W&M fans themselves can sell out the DC arena.

There is something to be said about a sold-out or nearly sold-out arena...game-in, game-out. Buzz is generated quickly because the atmosphere is improved tremendously when its near full. But that is not nearly every game. Cap the standard configuration of the renovation at 5500 seats. Open up the upper deck banners one-by-one if needed (ie years we are good AND a saturday game WITH students at home).

This year's team is drawing 4500 or so per game. If we can build an ultra competitve program, we can easily draw 5500~6000 per game.